VIPS called upon to help police

Group of 70 has met once a month since formed in 2003.

Group of 70 has met once a month since formed in 2003.

July 28, 2006|LISA KOCHANOWSKI Tribune Correspondent

SOUTH BEND -- Anyone who is a VIP is more than a very important person to the South Bend Police Department. They are among the men and women who make up the Volunteers In Police Service, a group that assists the SBPD in various ways. Since March 2003, the group of more than 70 meets once a month, participating in training in such areas as water and river rescue techniques, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and traffic control. VIPS are called on to help police in such matters as directing traffic at accidents and at large public gatherings such as Notre Dame football games, or checking on welfare and food delivery to homebound elderly in conjunction with the TRIAD program. Recently, the group gathered at Rum Village park for its annual summer picnic. "We do so many things that are official, with over 10,000 hours of volunteer time that we need a break mentally and to rejuvenate ourselves," said police Lt. Richard Powers, the director of the VIPS program who grilled hamburgers and brats at the picnic. "It's like a big family here." Juanita Dempsey of South Bend, one of the original members of the group, said the picnic is a great time for the group to enjoy one another on a social level. She is in charge of daily operations and helping to get people scheduled with their duties. "We hadn't had a chance to relax and get to know one another yet," said Dempsey, who noted along with the summer picnic the group usually has a Christmas party. Dempsey loves being part of the VIPS program. She was always involved in community service work growing up and found this program to be the perfect outlet for her love to help others. The work of the VIPS is a source of pride for her because she feels they have made a real difference to the police department. "It helps lessen some of the responsibility to others here," said Dempsey. "It gives them (the police department) the chance to do the more important things." Jessica Faucheux, of South Bend, started volunteering with the group about a year ago. "I have friends involved and it just sounded like a good program," said Faucheux, who volunteers around 30 hours a month. "I do a lot of directing traffic. I've patrolled and been called out when there was a lost child." Faucheux said she benefits from the volunteer work. "It gives you skills like thinking fast on your feet. It gives you a sense of who you are in dealing with the community," said Faucheux. Powers said members of the group volunteer anywhere from 12 hours a month to more than 120. He is finding that more and more young people want to get involved in the community, doing something where they can see an immediate result of their help. The group has had memorable moments. Powers recalls members doing traffic duty at the annual Zoo Boo at the Potawatomi Zoo at Halloween. He insists on the group wearing uniform shirts and pants to make them look professional. Someone asked if they could dress up and he said as long as they were in uniform, that would be fine. When he arrived at the event, he found that one of his officers had their face painted like a clown with a wig while another one wore a witches' hat. "They were directing traffic wearing that," said Powers. "It was hilarious." One special moment for the group was when President Bush visited the area. The VIPS were asked to help secure some of the side streets. "They were actually recognized by the secret service. They told me those people (the VIPS) did exactly what we would have asked of our official officers," said Powers. Summertime is a very active time for the group with all the activities around town. Powers is proud of his team and thankful for all the work they do in Michiana. "They're so giving that they make me a better police officer," said Powers about the group. "They have made me learn to appreciate what I do better." For more information about getting involved with the group, call Powers at (574) 235-9402.